ABSTRACT
This chapter contains a map of Monoceros and Canis Minor, with parts of Orion, Canis Major, Puppis, Lepus, Gemini, Hydra and Pyxis. Beta Monocerotis is a triple star; the three components are not very unequal (magnitudes 4.7, 5.2 and 6.1), a rather unusual combination; it makes a fine sight in a telescope. Perhaps the most spectacular object in Monoceros is the Rosette Nebula, NGC 2237-9 (C49), which surrounds the open cluster NGC 2244. Also in the area are the open cluster NGC 2251, which contains about 30 stars, and NGC 2264, the Cone Nebula round the irregular variable S Monocerotis. The open cluster M48, which lies near the star Zeta Monocerotis (4.3, G2) is actually in Hydra; it is within binocular range. The position given for it by Messier was 4 degrees in error by declination, and it is now generally agreed that the object we call M48 is identical with NGC 2548, discovered by Messier himself in 1771.
